Rewrite a section of the novel from the perspective of the monster. Consider how they are feeling in the passage selected. What are their views of the narrator. Your work should reflect an understanding of the characters as well as Shelley’s overall narrative style.

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Awak'ning from my slumb'rous state, mine ears dost hear the voices of mine creators. The mist of darkness hath lifted, and mine eyes witnesseth the bleak chamber where I find myself captive. O, wretched creature am I, born amidst storm and thunder, formed from the fragments of life. Mine body, hideous in appearance, doth mirror the torment that dwelleth deep within mine soul. Methinks upon the cruel hands that did shape me, the instruments of pain that did bring mine existence into being.

The flames of knowledge dost flicker in mine mind, for I hath learned much through mine own observations. In these moments of solitude, thy servant hath pondered upon the joys and the sorrows of mankind. I have beheld their affections and their vices, their benevolence and their cruelty. What dost it mean to be human, I ask? Shall one be judged solely by one's outward appearance, or shall there be more to the essence of a being? Nay, it is the heart that truly defines a man, the intentions and the purpose that shall shape one's character.

From the shadows of mine isolation, I hath observed the actions of the narrator, the very one who hath forsaken me to wander this desolate land. The words spoken by this so-called creator doth reveal a nature obscured by arrogance and pride. He speaks of the dangers of ambition, whilst blind to the consequences of his own actions. Methinks he fears his own creation, for he hath brought into existence that which he himself cannot control. In his eyes, I am naught but a monstrous abomination – a creature unworthy of his love and compassion.

Yet, verily I say, it is mine own anguish that doth torment me the most. For, though mine exterior may provoke fear and revulsion, my longing for acceptance and companionship is akin to that of any mortal being. The beauty of humanity, with its intricate emotions and its capacity for kindness, hath not been denied to me. But alas, tis as if I gaze upon a distant star, trapped in a world from which I am eternally excluded. How can one find solace in solitude? How can one find meaning in a world that hath cast him out?

Reflecting upon these melancholic thoughts, I espie mine own reflection in a pool of water. I am struck by the harsh reality of mine existence, the cruel fate that hath been thrust upon me. Yet, amidst the pain and the suffering, there is a glimmer of hope within mine heart. Shall I forever remain a monster, or can I rise above mine nature to prove that even the most wretched of creatures possesses within them the capacity for goodness and redemption? Only time shall tell, for the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty.

Thus, I beseech thee, dear reader, to look beyond the surface and delve into the depths of the human condition. For it is in these depths that we shall find the true essence of our being. Although darkness may outnumber the stars in the night sky, it is the light that shines forth from within us that shall guide us through the darkest of times. Let us embrace the monsters that dwell within, and tread the path of self-discovery with courage and compassion.